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What is your biggest regret from your time in working in the business field and what would you have done differently?

I am going to pursue a degree in Business in college, but am not sure what specific business career I will thrive in/enjoy, so thought this would be a thought-provoking question to help me out!

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Juney’s Answer

Though not specific to my experience in business, and not regrets so much as learnings:
* I should have acknowledged that my career might not be the same from graduation to retirement, earlier.
* I should have asked more questions, and asked for help / a mentor, earlier.
* I should have focused on figuring out how to prioritise, earlier.

The world, industry and we are ever-changing, so having an open mind, humility & curiosity allows one to pivot. Over time, I acknowledged my own indefinite ignorance, and embraced asking folks with perspectives, backgrounds & experiences different from my own for their input. It broadens my view every single day, enabling me to fast follow and pivot in a VUCA environment.

With that, I'd say -- explore widely, keep asking excellent questions, and practice saying 'no' and 'not now' (to yourself as well as others)!
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Christina’s Answer

My biggest regret was being too self-limiting early on in my career. For example, I doubted that I was ready for a promotion because I didn't feel that I had enough time within my current role to even consider the next level. One day, a coworker who was not my mentor, but who was a respected leader in the organization, reached out to me and encouraged me to apply for a promotion to a position that my boss had recently vacated. I thought she was crazy at first, but I went for it and was quickly hired! The lesson was, don't put yourself in a box - just perform, and your career will start to carve its own path.

I work in the worksite benefits insurance industry, and we all joke that none of us set out to work in insurance, but here we are! I absolutely love my company and the people I work with are kind, smart, caring individuals. I'm so glad to have ended up here, but I never could have imagined it as a college student trying to chart out my future career. Best of luck to you as you discover your path!
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Cesar’s Answer

Always remember, you will discover your path.

Stay curious and open-minded, and you'll explore many opportunities in business. Looking back, I realized I worried too much about my next steps. You'll find more happiness by enjoying the journey rather than stressing over possible problems.

A wise person once told me that being too busy is like an illness. Take the time to pause and reflect on why you're doing things. This will help you become more successful and happier in your career.

Lastly, maintain a good balance between work and personal life. Without this balance, it's hard to go far.

I hope this advice helps you. I wish someone had shared it with me earlier.
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Michael’s Answer

My biggest regret is not taking advantage of buying into the business when the opportunity arose and thinking I was fine as a regional manager. I didñt let my dreams keep growing with the business. Build the business as if you own it and grow with it. The owners will appreciate it and reward you for it.
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Barbara’s Answer

Remember that everything is a learning path. What some may consider as a "mistake" or "regret", for others, any situation can be used for your advantage.

Constantly learning and connecting with others in your field can always helps. You will meet amazing people in your journey and in college that can teach you a lot.

My biggest "regret" is not believing enough in myself from the started.
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Charlie’s Answer

Sydney,
This is my favorite question so far.

My biggest regret is not taking more time to help members of my team realize their career goals and aspirations. Looking back, I spent way too much time focusing on myself and my own business goals. I managed one radio station group for fourteen years, looking back, what's most valuable to me are the relationships I still have with the people that I worked with years ago. I could have been a much better leader.

Always be willing to do whatever you ask others to do, if you're the manager don't stand by and supervise, roll up your sleeves and help with the dirty work. If you expect others to stay late, you stay late with them. If you assign someone to clean the bathroom, grab a mop and help out. I'm describing a different kind of leadership, one that leads by example and not "do as I say". Your managerial style will be groomed by those managers who do things well and more importantly by those you do not manage well.
In the end have no regrets.
Charlie
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Paula’s Answer

Hi Sydney,

Thanks for asking this interesting question.

I wish I had realized how much change happens at work and how important it is to have a growth mindset instead of a fixed one. Believing in your ability to learn and pick up new skills will help you succeed through any changes at work.

Wishing you all the best on your learning journey!

Paula
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Dan’s Answer

Hi Sydney,

There are two mistakes I've made across my 25 year career that I'd do differently.
First, be more open to putting yourself in uncomfortable situations or roles. Getting more experience across different disciplines will compound your business knowledge exceptionally faster than staying in one place for long periods of time.
Secondly, be deliberate about the career path you want to take. As you gain more experience within your career the path you enjoy/thrive at, will become more clear. Plot your moves in that path (like steps) in order work towards your destination by gaining the experiences you need to achieve the destination.
Lastly, don't get caught up in trying to find the perfect career....just start and the path will begin to present itself as you walk it.

Best of luck....look for opportunity....be deliberate in your moves.....and just start moving forward!
Dan
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